Alright, I only have a couple of minutes -- I am on lunch! -- but I wanted to quickly tell you about my "organic food rules" that I shop/live by the best I can.
I am not perfect. I live on a budget. I eat fast food fries, iced tea, and coffee too. Oh. And frosty's. I am not immune to the convenience or the millions of adds, or my son's begging. I'm a human, living in America after all.
On my best days, I brew (iced) tea/coffee at home, pack snacks, and have enough room in my grocery budget and time in my days to shop at the farmer's markets and buy all organic. Let me tell you... lots of stars need to align before all of those ducks fall in a row. Cliche much? Ha.
And I love Franks. And Tabasco. And they don't come in "Organic" versions (that I know of) so I can never be perfect anyway. Whew. Perfect is too hard.
Ok. Enough.
You can find this same information all over the internet. But I was introduced to it from a blogger friend (Dillon), so I thought I'd introduce it to you.
I'm talking about the "Clean 15" and the "Dirty Dozen."
I am not going to go into great detail, because there are many articles out these if you are interested in further reading, but here are the lists and brief definitions...
Clean Fifteen // These are the fruits/veggies that are ok to buy conventional/non-organic. They make this list generally because: they have tough inedible/usually pealed skins/peals, or they do not generally take many chemical fertilizers/pesticides/etc in order to grow, making them less likely to have many toxins in them once you have them ready to consume. I still generally try to buy organic if there is a version available, or local, or I can afford it without strain.
1. Onions
2. Sweet Corn
3. Pineapples
4. Avocado
5. Asparagus
6. Sweet Peas
7. Mangoes
8. Eggplant
9. Cantaloupe
10. Kiwi
11. Cabbage
12. Watermelon
13. Sweet Potatoes
14. Grapefruit
15. Mushrooms
Dirty Dozen + // These are fruits and veggies are highly recommended that you eat organic if you can. If you cannot (I am aware of the cost involved), make sure you wash your fruits and veggies with a combo of vinegar and water to wash away chemical residue. These are generally produce with thin edible skins or growing regimens that require a chemical heavy cycle.
1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines
7. Grapes
8. Bell Peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale/Greens
These are additions: I have read of a few (trusted) lists that have been augmented the list to include...
13. Cilanto (notoriously hard to grow without chemicals)
14. Milk/Dairy
15. Coffee
16. Wines (this has been debated on the Dr. Oz show by an eco guru because "the alcohol kills the residue"... however, grapes are on the list above.. so take it how you'd like)
17. Chocolates
18. Tea
Organic Label Guidelines // Here are a couple of links about the various "Organic" labels/claims and their meanings.
USDA
Green Mom Blogger :: With the breakdown
I keep these lists on opposite sides of a note card and in my wallet, so I have them ready when I need them. I keep this on my mind when I am eating out as well.
As far as meats go, I have talked a bit about that here. And if you'd like to see what came home from Meijer in my reusable grocery bags, you can check that out here.
I am absolutely not on a mission to preach to anyone, or make you feel bad about your grocery habits, or tell you that I won't eat what you serve me at your house... I am just giving some insight into how I shop!
Please feel free to ask questions, comment, or discuss.
Xo
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